In a significant symbolic and administrative gesture, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman convened his first formal exchange with the officers and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since assuming leadership. The meeting, held on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at the Shapla Hall in Tejgaon, served as a platform for the Prime Minister to outline his administration’s governance philosophy and expectations for the civil service.
A Call for National Dedication
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister struck a patriotic chord, reminding the civil servants that the nation remains their “first and final destination.” He emphasised that the responsibility for transforming the fortunes of the Bangladeshi people rests squarely on the shoulders of those within the state apparatus.
“The people of Bangladesh look toward this government with immense expectations,” the Prime Minister remarked. He further asserted that the success of any administration is intrinsically linked to the dedication and integrity of its workforce. By framing the staff not merely as employees but as integral components of the government, he sought to foster a sense of collective ownership over the nation’s developmental trajectory.
Policy Priorities and Reform
The Prime Minister specifically called for robust cooperation in implementing the ambitious mandates set out in the government’s manifesto. He highlighted several key sectors that require immediate and sustained attention to ensure long-term national prosperity.
| Priority Sector | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Healthcare & Education | Modernising infrastructure and expanding access to rural regions. |
| Gender Equality | Enhancing female education and workplace participation. |
| Economy | Stimulating job creation and supporting youth entrepreneurship. |
| Governance | Rooting out systemic corruption and ensuring transparency. |
| National Identity | Promoting sports and cultural heritage on the global stage. |
Integrity and Confidentiality
A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s address was dedicated to the ethics of governance. He issued a stern directive regarding the confidentiality of state affairs, urging officials to uphold the highest standards of discretion in the interest of national security. Furthermore, he expressed a firm expectation that the bureaucracy would act as a bulwark against corruption, rather than a conduit for it.
The meeting was attended by a distinguished cohort of the Prime Minister’s advisory council, including Mirza Abbas, Md. Ismail Zabiullah, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Humayun Kabir, Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamsul Islam, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, and Mahdee Amin.
